We are very fortunate to live within driving distance of some of the most beautiful mountains and waterfalls in the country, and the best way to see the beauty in our area is to take a hike.

Whether it’s your first time or you are a seasoned hiker, there are great trails that reward with breathtaking views and options for all levels.

For beginners or families, Table Rock State Park in Pickens is the perfect place to start. Begin your visit with a trip to the nature center where kids can get a preview of animals they might see along the way. There are hiking trails suitable for most skill levels — from .7 miles to 4.1 miles long.

My family likes the Carrick Creek trail, a 2-mile loop that includes several waterfalls. A little playground offers a break from walking for kids, and rental kayaks or canoes are available for $5 per hour. A swimming area, complete with a high dive, offers a bit of a reward for the hard work of a hike.

Intermediate hikers will want to try the more challenging trails in the park. Table Rock Trail offers some of the most stunning views in South Carolina, including incredible rock formations and a field of boulders. It is a strenuous hike, with a lot of steep climbing so bring lots of water. Your reward is a gorgeous view of Pinnacle Lake.

My favorite place for a short, beginner hike is DuPont State Recreational Forest in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, between Hendersonville and Brevard. The biggest draw here is the waterfalls. The falls have been the site of several films, most notably, “The Last of the Mohicans” and scenes from “The Hunger Games.” There are six major waterfalls in the forest, with High Falls, a 120-foot waterfall, only .3 miles from the trailhead. Triple Falls can be accessed from the Hooker Falls parking area. It consists of three distinct falls. With so many well-maintained trails, choose your level of difficulty and see picturesque falls after only a short hike.

If you are an intermediate hiker and want to see most of the falls, the Dupont Waterfalls tour hike is for you. The hike is six miles, so plan to give yourself plenty of time. On this hike you will see five of the six waterfalls in the park and have the opportunity to stop and swim in Lake Dense.

Another option for the intermediate hiker, Hospital Rock Trail in Jones Gap State Park,Marietta, offers plenty of streams, creeks and waterfalls. Some of the highlights of the nine mile hike include Hospital Rock itself, a giant boulder with a cave cutout underneath, and a 200-foot waterfall, Falls Creek Falls. You will also see Symmes Chapel, also known as Pretty Place. The chapel is owned by Camp Greenville, but is open to the public if there is not a wedding or camp function. Check their Facebook page before you go to make sure there is not a function if this is an important part of your trip.

For the seasoned hiker interested in multi-day hikes, there are also some great options. Ethan Mabbitt, an avid hiker and employee of The Local Hiker in Spartanburg, recommends the Art Loeb Trail in Pisgah, North Carolina. In addition to being in good physical shape, hikers who attempt this trail should know how to set up camp, store food (away from bears), and be accustomed to carrying to right amount of gear and water. The trails are not as well marked as the other trails mentioned, so bring a good map. The reward is outstanding views of the Appalachian Mountain. For many the highlight of the trip is the view of Shining Rock, also known as the Crown Jewel of Appalachia, topped with brilliant quartz formations.

Hiking is a great opportunity to slow down and take in the scenery. Take some time this summer to explore our area. Bring plenty of water and take lots of pictures, and of course, happy trails to you!